Legal challenges facing autonomous ships

The invention and use of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) are gradually becoming common. According to The Danish Maritime Authority, autonomous ships are the general term for ships capable of advancing through automated operations. They are ships capable of autonomous operation at sea, free of crew, and equipped with artificial intelligence systems that take on the tasks of the human crew. The global regulatory body for international shipping defines autonomous ships as "a ship that can varying degrees operate independently of human interaction or ships capable of decision-making." Unlike conventional ships, autonomous ships have many advantages. These include environmental benefits from fuel availability, enhanced safety, increased efficiency and cost, and improved infrastructure. Most accidents are caused by human error, causing increased pollution, destruction of aquatic animals and their habitats, and significant loss of revenue. Accidents also result in a huge loss of life. Proof of this is that most maritime accidents are usually associated with human error. Between 75% and 96% of maritime accidents from 1912 to 2012 were directly or indirectly caused by human error. In addition to reducing human error, autonomous shipping is expected to reduce the cost of operations, achieve practical utilization, efficient use of intelligence, and increase fuel efficiency. Statistics show the imminent benefits of autonomous shipping in the maritime industry. However, there are many safeties legal concerns raised around autonomous vessels. This study discusses a general framework for supporting navigation in autonomous vessels. In addition, the study illustrates the legal challenges facing this type of vessel which include various marine technologies to achieve the required level of autonomy for the oceans.